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M5 motorway facts for kids

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M5 motorway shield

M5 motorway
Looking south towards junction 20
Route information
Maintained by Highways England
Length 162.9 mi (262.2 km)
Existed 1962–present
History Opened: 1962
Completed: 1977
Major junctions
Northeast end West Bromwich
  UK-Motorway-M6.svg
M6 motorway
Junction 4a.svg UK-Motorway-M42.svg
J4a → M42 motorway
Junction 8.svg UK-Motorway-M50.svg
J8 → M50 motorway
Junction 15.svg UK-Motorway-M4.svg
J15 → M4 motorway
Junction 18a.svg UK-Motorway-M49.svg
J18a → M49 motorway
Southwest end Exminster
Location
Counties: West Midlands, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Bristol, Somerset, Devon
Primary
destinations:
West Bromwich
Birmingham
Bromsgrove
Worcester
Cheltenham
Gloucester
Bristol
Weston-super-Mare
Bridgwater
Taunton
Exeter
Road network
  • Roads in the United Kingdom
M4 M6


The M5 is a very important motorway in England. It helps connect the Midlands region with the South West of the country. Think of it as a super-fast road designed for long journeys.

This motorway starts at Junction 8 of the M6 near Birmingham in West Bromwich. It then travels all the way down to Exeter in Devon. The M5 is often called the main route to South West England. Because so many people use it, especially during summer holidays, Friday afternoons, and other public holidays, it can get very busy, especially south of the M4.

About the M5 Motorway

The M5 motorway is about 163 miles (262 kilometers) long. It was first opened in 1962 and was fully completed in 1977. This means it took 15 years to build the entire road! Highways England is in charge of keeping the M5 in good condition and making sure it runs smoothly.

Where Does the M5 Go?

The M5 passes through several different counties in England. These include West Midlands, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Bristol, Somerset, and Devon. Along its route, it connects to many important cities and towns. Some of these include Birmingham, Worcester, Gloucester, Bristol, Weston-super-Mare, Bridgwater, Taunton, and Exeter.

What Are Motorway Junctions?

Motorway junctions are special exits and entrances that allow cars to join or leave the motorway. They are numbered to help drivers know where they are and where to turn off. The M5 has many junctions, connecting it to other major roads and motorways like the M4 motorway, M6 motorway, M42 motorway, M50 motorway, and M49 motorway. These connections make it easy for people to travel across different parts of England.

Motorway Services

Along the M5, there are special places called "services" or "service stations." These are like rest stops where drivers and passengers can take a break. They usually have petrol stations, food places, shops, and toilets. Some of the services on the M5 include Frankley services, Strensham services, Gloucester services, Michaelwood services, Gordano services, Sedgemoor services, Bridgwater services, Taunton Deane services, Cullompton services, and Exeter services. These stops are important for long journeys to ensure drivers can rest safely.

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